With the number of obese and overweight kids on the rise, it is more important than ever for kids to get regular exercise in their daily schedules. It is difficult enough to get the recommended amount of exercise during the rest of the year, but the winter months pose an even greater challenge to keeping kids active and healthy. Many kids spend the cold days indoors in front of the television, computer, or playing video games; moving less and often eating more. So how do we break that cycle and get our kids up and moving? We need to get moving with them! Here are some ideas for parents and kids to increase activity levels and have fun at the same time, even when it’s cold outside.
- Play Outside: Just because it is cold doesn’t mean you can’t have fun outdoors. Bundle up and go for a walk or bicycle ride. If there is snow, have fun building a snowman or snow fort, engaging your kids in a snowball fight, or go sledding. All of these activities burn calories, increase heart rate, and best of all – they are lots of fun!
- Indoor Fun: If the weather outside is too frightful to enjoy, there are plenty of indoor options. Go to the mall and walk around, take the stairs instead of elevators or escalators, and enjoy window shopping while exercising. Or check out your local community center or YMCA for indoor activities. Staying home? Turn everyday chores into fun races to see who can clean the fastest. Or put on some music and dance, dance, dance!
- Video Games: Most kids love video games, so why not get one that helps them exercise while playing? Most video game systems have come out with at least one video game that promotes fitness and activity. There are sports, exercise games, yoga, balance games, and more – something for everyone.
- Go to the Zoo or Museum: Winter months are a great time to head to the local museum or zoo. If it is too cold to enjoy the outdoor exhibits at the zoo, most have buildings full of animals that are open all year round.
- Model healthy activity and eating: Kids will do what they see their parents doing, so if you want your kids to be more active, you have to model it for them. Same with healthy eating. If you aren’t eating a healthy diet, it is highly unlikely that your kids will. Make it a family goal to move more and to eat less junk food.
Winter is a time of hibernation for many animals, but people weren’t meant to hibernate. This winter, instead of letting your kids spend their days being sedentary, get them up and moving using these tips. They will be healthier for it, and so will you!
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